. >> ryan pate was dead wrong about that. it took him five years to finish designing the contraption that has a cult following among pro athletes, especially distance runners. >> running is hard on the body. if you do it in a moderate amount it's wonderful for the body but what professional athlete does anything in a moderate amount. >> two time track and field champ laura said she had her best season ever when she started alternating running with the elliptico workout. >> it eliminates the impact. which is the limiting factor of miles you can run in a week. >> it has become a sport. here's a video of the elliptico world champion in san diego. ,, you have to walk before you run. >> you push off and stand up. now you walk. >> despite how smooth it is, it is an intense workout. in fact elliptico sponsored a study at the university of california san diego that it burns 33% more calories than riding a bike. >> you will get used to it. there you go. >> he said most of the customers are like him, fitness junkies. oprah winfrey is r